Hartmann's Solution

Hartmann's solution (Table 1) is also known as Ringer-Lactate or compound sodium lactate solution. Its ionic composition resembles that of plasma more closely than other fluids.

Lactate is metabolized in the liver to pyruvate, which enters the citric acid cycle. As a result carbon dioxide is formed, which is transported in the blood as bicarbonate.

Hartmann's solution

Content
  • NaCl (sodium chloride)
  • NaC3H503 (sodium lactate)
  • CaCl2 (calcium chloride)
  • KCl (potassium chloride)

Ionic composition

(may vary slightly depending on the supplier)
  • Na+ 131 mmol/L
  • Cl- 111 mmol/L
  • K+ 5 mmol/L
  • Ca2+ 2 mmol/L
  • HCO3-, as lactate 29 mmol/L

Osmolarity

278 mOsm/L

pH

6.5

Volumes available

500 ml and 1000 ml bags

Table 1 Overview of Hartmann's solution